Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC)

History

The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Program in Jackson Public Schools has been developed over seven decades. The first JROTC program in Jackson Public Schools was started in Central High School on 1936, and transferred to Lanier High School in 1971 after the program at Central was phased out. Today the Army JROTC Program is alive and well in all eight JPS high schools. Since the program began, thousands of students have been exposed to the ideals of leadership, character development, and citizenship training provided by JROTC.

Mission

JROTCstaff are committed to establishing a legacy of excellence as they strive to accomplish their mission- "to motivate young people to be better citizens." They prepare high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. The program is a stimulus for promoting graduation from high school, and it provides instruction and rewarding opportunities that will benefit the student, community, and nation.

Objectives

The objectives of JPS' Junior ROTC program are to develop students/cadets who are:

Aware of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Prepare to be good leaders; willing to show initiative and take charge

Able to think logically and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing

Committed to improving physical fitness

Committed to living drug-free

Instilled with self-discipline and positive self motivation

Aware of the historical perspective of the military services

Aware of the importance of teamwork

Imbuled with the core character traits/values for successful living

Aware of their strengths and weaknesses

Aware of the problem solving/decision-making process for resolving issues